Synopsis

The year is 1985. Rad Miracle is a shy 13-year-old white kid who's obsessed with two things: ping pong and hip hop. During his family's annual summer vacation to Ocean City, Maryland, Rad makes a new best friend, experiences his first real crush, becomes the target of rich, racist local bullies, and finds an unexpected mentor in his outcast next-door neighbor. Ping Pong Summer is about that time in your life when you're treated like an alien by everyone around you, even though you know deep down you're as funky fresh as it gets.

The year is 1985. Rad Miracle is a shy 13-year-old white kid who's obsessed with two things: ping pong and hip hop. During his family's annual summer vacation to Ocean City, Maryland, Rad makes a new best friend, experiences his first real crush, becomes the target of rich, racist local bullies, and finds an unexpected mentor in his outcast next-door neighbor. Ping Pong Summer is about that time in your life when you're treated like an alien by everyone around you, even though you know deep down you're as funky fresh as it gets.

Tech specs

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by aboveuall1 / 10

I cant understand how anyone gave this higher than one star

In our lives we end up saying "that was the worst movie ever made" many, many times. I highly doubt i'll EVER say that again after watching this thing. I would need about 5 pages to explain the awfulness of this movie. It makes no sense at any point, you don't want to root for the wimpy lead kid at all, and how does the mean kid that crushed him in ping pong a week earlier now forget how to pay all together? The only good part was the fat red headed dummy who over-acts thru every scene. And well that's not "good" but it was funny. I pray the world deletes every copy of this movie and it just becomes a myth.

Reviewed by useifnot10 / 10

Exceeded my expectations

I passed this movie over more than once because the title had me thinking it was a children's movie, but out of sheer boredom one day I decided to give it a shot. From the opening credits to the final scene I found the film utterly delightful. The movie employs a dry sense of humor and draws upon memories of growing up in the eighties, so it is tailored to a very specific audience. The artist's technique in this film was to take a very simple story line and effectively provoke a sense of nostalgia in the audience referencing popular 1980's concepts. If you weren't a child of the eighties watching shows like "You Can't Do That on Television" and collecting Garbage Pail Kid Cards, you probably won't relate to this movie. I haven't seen any of this writer/director's other work, but if he is as effective at applying this level of skill to a story tailored to a wider audience, I think he could be the next Stanley Kubrick.

Reviewed by stachess10 / 10

If you grew up in the 80's and like quirky non-mainstream films you might like this

I really liked this film. I am the same age as the protagonist, and I
loved ping pong and rap music. We vacationed in Rehobith Beach which is
not far from Ocean City.

But the movie itself has a low key, realistic feel to it; and it makes
you feel good. I put it in my top 10 list. Those scenes on the
boardwalk feel real to me. The protagonist was awkward, but likable.
The best friend was nerdy, but cool--if that makes sense. The montage
when they become best friends seemed heartfelt. They feel like real
kids in the 80's. The arcades, the clothes, the family; it was just
believable, innocent, and fun.

If you are into mainstream films you probably won't like it. But if you
fall into my demographic this film may appeal to you. I liked it better
than "The Way Way Back" that everyone else compares it to. That movie
just didn't resonate with me; but this did. The family seemed more like
mine; and more likable.